The 2023 Supreme Award for Structural Engineering Excellence by the U.K.-based Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) was awarded to Canada-based structural engineering and timber construction firm, StructureCraft, for its work on The Nancy Pauw Bridge in Banff, Alberta.

The 80-m (262-ft) bridge spans the Bow River, connecting the town’s Central Park to its Recreation Grounds, and pays tribute to Nancy Pauw, a well-known Banff resident, philanthropist, and keen cyclist.

Judged on four core attributes: Planet, people, process, and profession, this year’s overall winner encapsulated IStructE’s increasing focus on the societal and environmental role of structural engineers.

The prestigious award not only recognizes a commitment to sustainable construction but also showcases StructureCraft’s skill and ingenuity. The talented team designed the bridge to have no impact on the river’s varied yet delicate ecosystem. This was achieved with a clear and low-profile span, which blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

Going further, StructureCraft directly answered the project’s sustainability brief—using natural and engineered timber throughout the entirety of the bridge. This employed a clever combination of a shallow arch, using a natural alternative to steel (glulam) for the girders, and weathering steel haunches to ensure structural stability. The team also ensured optimal vibration performance with a central-tuned mass damper. This unique feature tunes the bridge to walking and jogging frequencies, reducing vibrations, and resulting in an impressive, slender, long-span timber structure.

The judges called the project an inspiring example of structural engineering, which “truly embodied all four judging attributes.”